January 31 2012
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On January 26th, we celebrated a great moment in the history of modern India.
The official date of the creation of the Republic of India, paving the way for the beginning of the world biggest democratie. Lamas had drawned the map of India around the pole with the help of their english teacher.
Once all had gathered around, together with our guest of honor, we raised the flag filled with flowers and sang the national anthem in honor of this incredible India.To end the day in colors, to celebrate the success of our 21st butterlamp retreat and to say goodbye to our guest we enjoyed together the ephemeral illusion of some fireworks and firecrackers.
Published by The Chhimed Rigdzin Society
January 29 2012
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While the “message” is being edited, here is some latest news about our activities.
This 21st butterlamp retreat has been rich in events among which the monastery received the visit of the state television Doodharshan.
Their first motivation was to come to feature the agricultural activities currently taking place on the land with the help of the state agricultural department, but once they came here and heard about our Rinpoche and his career in Shantiniketan they decided to make a full documentation of the place, its history, its activities and its goals.
They recorded our lamas singing in front of the gompa, recorded an interview with Tulku Ugen inside the gompa and asked questions about the origin of Vajrayana Buddhism and the lineage of teachings being practiced here.
Their program will first be telecasted in West-Bengal and at a later stage nationwide.
It was a great surprise and it will give good exposure to the monastery in general and to its agricultural activities in particular.
Published by The Chhimed Rigdzin Society
January 17 2012
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Since our last posting much has happened in the daily life of Khordong Byangter Monastery.
We had a new edition of the Khordong Games, few new students have joined the monastery and 8 of the elder ones together with their teacher Yeshe Dorje went to Gangtok to receive the Byangter initiations given by Kyabje Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche.
We wish to thank you for your support which allow this gompa to grow every year a bit more and allow the students to receive proper training and education.
Your support allows to see Rinpoche's wish and vision come true despite the various difficulties.
More students wish to join for the year 2012, which would be very good to strengthen the batch of our current 18 lamas to look after this big place.
At the moment we rejoice and appreciate that the 21st butterlamp retreat is currently going on, allowing ligth to radiate upon this world from Khordong Byangter Monastery while being blessed by the visit of our guests.
Happy New Year to all,
Published by The Chhimed Rigdzin Society
September 5 2011
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Things have evolved here over the past few months. With the arrival of Yeshe Dorje our new resident teacher, 8 new students have also joined, bringing the total up to 20 of them. Most of the new ones are from an area border with Nepal and India.
Their arrival brings a new dynamic and strength to the already established group and Yeshe Dorje looks after their education and daily life with good care and discipline.
In the meantime, since the beginning of August, computer class have been implemented on daily basis. Teaching the elder ones tibetan typing and computer basics. It is a great joy for all of them to be introduced to 21st century's technology.
Published by The Chhimed Rigdzin Society
August 2 2011
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Next Wednesday August 3rd, we will celebrate Choekhor Duchen the anniversary of Buddha Shakyamuni’s first turning of the Dharma wheel. For seven weeks after his enlightenment Shakyamuni Buddha did not teach. Finally requested and encouraged by the gods Indra and Bhrama he went to the Deer Park in Sarnath near Varanasi to teach his previous companions of meditation. There he turned the Wheel of Dharma for the first time, teaching them the four noble truths. On this commemoration day, due to the blessing of the lord Buddha the result of meritorious activities is enhanced 10 million times.
Thus it is an auspicious time to make abundant offerings to the three jewels, release life, recite prayers and teachings of the Buddha.
Published by The Chhimed Rigdzin Society
July 31 2011
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It has been long since we last updated you about Frauke, meanwhile a lot has happened. First of all, mid-June we had the visit of Brenda who came on a mission all the way from Hamburg with the wish to bring Frauke back to Germany with her. But that could not be done as on her arrival Frauke got fever and weakened to a point where she could not be discharged anymore. Yet Brenda’s presence was crucial in the improvement of Frauke’s general condition as she slowly started to eat again and could clearly prepare herself to go back to Germany. Thanks to the care and real support of the sangha, on July 5th Brenda could be replaced by Astrid, another sangha member from Hamburg.
Astrid knows well Frauke and her arrival brought her into a new phase. Since then she has been taken out of the intensive care unit and brought down to the general ward where she is under the care of a local nurse and the constant watch of Astrid. Her general condition is slowly improving as she now takes food regularly on her own, makes exercises with her arms and legs on daily basis and has clearly set her mind to come back to Germany. Yet she is still bed ridden and too weak to be discharge from hospital and take a flight home.
The target is now fixed on August 18th date on which Astrid will need to go back to Germany and we all hope Frauke will then be strong enough to fly back together with her.
Published by The Chhimed Rigdzin Society
June 17 2011
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This is to confirm that Tulku Ugen will go to Darnkov according to plan. He is flying from Bagdogra tomorrow. Frauke is getting better and has insisted that he goes as soon as possible to honor his engagements.
In Darnkov he will be giving Padmasambhava initiation on june 23rd and will give Dorje Drollo initiation on June 25th, then will proceed with dorje drollo retreat till june 29th.
Published by the Chhimed Rigdzin Society
June 13 2011
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As per today Frauke remains in hospital despite a substantial general improvement and her family together with the German consulate do not show any sign of support nor concern about her well being.
This unexpected situation has a strong impact on Tulku Ugen’s activities and forced him to cancel part of his tour to Europe.If no solution is found soon, Tulku Ugen could be forced to cancel the other part of his tour.
We heard the disappointment of many of you, and are grateful for your understanding. By signing Frauke’s admission paper to the hospital, Tulku Ugen became liable for her until she is discharged and he will most probably need to overlook her repatriation to Germany, bearing in mind her Indian visa comes to an end on July 11th, 2011.
A sad and complex story indeed, but we shall know the outcome sooner or later. Keep posted.
Published by The Chhimed Rigdzin Society
June 12 2011
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On June 6th Rinpoche’s Paranirvana was celebrated as usual according to the Tibetan calendar (5th day of the 4th lunar month). Hanging of flags, offering of lamps and big tsog were offered in his memory and 108 Om Soti prayers were recited was his swift return.
As most of you know on June14th, the same will be celebrated in many places according to the western calendar.
Published by The Chhimed Rigdzin Society
May 28 2011
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We want to inform you that due to the situation we have here around the hospitalization of Frauke Blohm, Tulku Ugen has to delay his departure to Europe until the family and the German consulate finally take full responsibility for her and for bringing her back to Germany. Thank you for your understanding.
Published by The Chhimed Rigdzin Society
